Forced Marriage.

pounding, a rapid drumbeat that echoed the turmoil inside her. She took a few deep, shuddering breaths, trying to calm herself. She had never felt so small, so insignifica

e, in stark contrast to the emptiness she felt inside. She watched the tiny lights of cars streaming through the street

o was too broken to fight back. It hadn't always been this way. There was a time when she had dreams of her own, a vision of what her life could be. But th

pressing her hand to her lips to muffle the sound. What kind of life was this going to be? Playing the role of th

sharply, half expecting Adrian to have returned, but instead, it was Helen

ly. "I brought you some tea. I

le. "Thank you, Helen.

indow. She hesitated, looking at Lily as if she wan

er than she intended. She was desperate for any scrap of information,

voice. "I've worked for Mr. Blackwood for several years n

to keep the disbelief out of h

s his reasons for the way he is. I'm not saying it excu

augh. "I've yet to s

ining through. "You've only just arrived

g away. "That's the one thi

the arm. "Try to get some rest ton

d the warm teacup. The steam curled up into the air, carrying the faint scent of chamomile. It reminded her of the nigh

king a deep breath. She couldn't cry now. Crying would mea

lence. It was late, but she couldn't bring herself to go to bed, not when she knew she'd b

inside without a word, his gaze flicking over her as if assessing her state. He'd shed his jacket, his t

leep by now," he said,

, refusing to be intimid

rrowing slightly as he studied

ing up. "After everything that happened today, you ex

ere was no humor in it. "Normal? No, Lily

actically shouting now, the frustration boiling over. "W

r wrist hard enough to make her wince. "You're in this now because you chose to be,"

yanking her hand free. "You know that.

omposure. "And what did you expect, Lily? That I would fall in love with

," she snapped. "But clearl

without warning, he closed the distance between them, his hands cupping her face as he pressed his lips to hers in a b

er until she was pressed against him, her protests muffled by his mouth. She felt the sharp stin

ting against hers. "Don't mistake this," he murmured, his voice rough. "I ow

You might own my body, Adrian," she whispered, her voi

if he were amused by her wo

t racing and her lips still burning from the force of his kiss. She broug

ce this nightmare began, s